Literary Tribute to Legendary Poetess Habba Khatoon Marks Milestone Mehfil-e-Mushaira in Anantnag – Alfaaz – The Words

Anantnag: Ehsaas Foundation on Sunday organised a Mehfil-e-Mushaira dedicated to the legendary Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon at Al-Sufra Restaurant, marking the first such literary gathering on her life and work in the town. The event drew poets, scholars, media professionals, and admirers of Kashmiri literature from across the Valley.

Renowned poet Suhail Ahmad, popularly known as Raj Saeb, presided over the programme as Chief Guest, while noted poets Sagar Nazir and Riyaz Anzoo attended as Guests of Honour. The evening began with a recitation of Tilawat-e-Quran by Haziq Hyderi.

Poets from various parts of Kashmir presented their kalam, reflecting on Habba Khatoon’s life, legacy, and enduring contribution to Kashmiri literature. Those who recited included Atiqa Sidiqi, Mashru Naseebabadi, Yahya Tawseef, Parvaiz Gulshan, Mysar Nashaad, Rida Mudasir, Irshad Ahmad Irshad, Tanha Iqbal, Sagar Salam, Azam Farooq, Javed Sagar, Shah Meem, Azhar Muqaami and Zeeshan Afaaq.

In his address, Chief Guest Raj Saeb highlighted the timeless relevance of Habba Khatoon’s poetry and its deep influence on Kashmiri language and cultural identity. Guest of Honour Riyaz Anzoo spoke on the emotional depth and cultural resonance of her work, while Sagar Nazir underscored the importance of engaging younger generations with classical Kashmiri poets through such initiatives.

Chairman of Ehsaas Foundation Zahoor Ahmad Malik expressed gratitude to the poets, guests, participants, and attendees for the successful conduct of the programme. He also thanked the media fraternity and Radio Rabita for their support and coverage, and acknowledged the contributions of venue partner Al-Sufra Restaurant, printing partner Media Line, and Saadat Mohideen (Aapa Foods).

The Mehfil-e-Mushaira concluded with a pledge by Ehsaas Foundation to continue fostering poetry, culture, and literary heritage across the Kashmir Valley.